Daily News

Denmark – Temporary employment numbers on the rise

18 July 2013

The number of Danes employed in temporary jobs increased +7% in the first half of 2013, according to economic think tank The Labour Movement. During the first half of 2013, there were 22,400 temporary workers in the Danish labour market, increasing from 20,900 a year ago.

These figures are supported by Adecco Denmark’s research, indicating a +40% increase in the number of temporary workers during the first half of 2013, compared with a year ago. According to Adecco Denmark, the most notable increase in jobs has been in health care, education, and technical/skilled work.

“We should not over-interpret the figures. The temporary employment industry is highly cyclical and suffered a nosedive from just over 30,000 to less than 20,000 [temporary workers] since the crisis began in 2008. It is a sign, however that [the economy] is moving forward,” said Simon Tøgern, chairman of trade union HK/Privat.

Companies are continuing to recruit temporary workers rather than permanent staff: “[They] have to be sure that it is not just a one-off with some good months, but that the [economic] growth sticks. Companies will choose to recruit temporary staff until they know that the growth will continue,” said Susan Norgård, head of sales and marketing at Adecco Denmark.

Since the introduction of parity for temporary workers in Denmark, working in a temporary capacity has become more attractive. “I think that the [temporary recruitment] industry will become even bigger when the economy recovers. Temporary workers now stand on firmer ground with decent working conditions from the get-go. This will make the profession more attractive to work in,” added Mr Tøgern.

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